The Climate Negotiations coincide with the third year anniversary of typhoon Haiyan, which wiped out villages in Eastern Philippines, and where survivors still struggle with rebuilding their lives.

The Philippines is a leader of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a grouping of more than 40 countries, as well as the incoming chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Several countries from the two groupings have been severely affected by extreme weather events in the past months.

“The global community will definitely welcome the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement by the Philippines. Now it’s time to get down to the business of getting a fair deal and stronger climate action from negotiations in Morocco,” said Renato Redentor Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

The Climate Change Commission of the Philippines has warned that sea level rise in the Philippines is projected to be three times that of the global average if global warming continues unabated. Developing countries face up to 10% loss in annual GDP as warming temperatures drastically reduce productivity of labor by mid-century, according to the International Labor Organization.

According to ICSC, climate action will spur economy-wide job creation as urban services, food supply, roads and highways, sea ports and coastal infrastructure are upgraded to make them more resilient to expected climate change impacts. In addition, investments in renewable energy and related services in modern energy infrastructure will also increase economic activities along with corresponding job prospects.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a policy group in the Philippines promoting low-carbon development initiatives, sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy in vulnerable countries.For interviews: